Have your say in the Government “plain tobacco packs” consultation

The Government today launched a six-week consultation into its proposals to introduce standardised packaging for tobacco products.

This follows Sir Cyril Chantler’s independent review in April this year, which concluded that plain packs would have a positive impact on public health.

The Government announced at the time that in the light of the Chantler report and the responses to the previous 2012 consultation, it was minded to proceed with standardised packaging regulations, but only following a “final short consultation so that any new relevant evidence could be considered”.

Now it is calling on all interested parties to respond. In the announcement today Jane Ellison, public health minister, said: “It is vital that any decision is properly and fully informed. The consultation includes a set of draft regulations so it is clear how such a policy would work in practice. I urge anybody with any new evidence relating to the wider implications of introducing standardised packaging, to contribute so their voice can be heard.”

The UK-wide consultation runs for six week, closing on August 7. Wholesalers wishing to make their views known should go to http://bit.ly/1rCSibw

*Don’t miss our tobacco feature in the coming July issue where we’ll be reporting more on this story along with industry and wholesaler responses.